Vote counting began at eight a.m. today for the West Bengal State Assembly election to determine the next state government [1], [2].

The results will decide whether the Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, can maintain its hold on the state or if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can secure a majority. This election follows a high-stakes campaign and two phases of polling held on April 23 and April 29, 2026 [3].

Election officials are processing votes across 77 counting centres [1], [4]. The contest centers on 293 total assembly seats, with a majority mark set at 148 seats [1], [5].

Early reports indicate a close contest between the two primary parties. According to Livemint, the BJP leads in 85 seats while the TMC leads in 72 [1]. However, data from JagranJosh said the BJP leads in 74 seats and the TMC in 67 [5].

The discrepancy in early numbers reflects the fluid nature of the live counting process as results from different districts are tabulated. These figures represent initial trends rather than final certified results.

Both parties have deployed observers to the counting centres to ensure transparency. The atmosphere remains tense across the state as the BJP and TMC fight for a decisive lead, a gap that could determine the stability of the region's governance for the next term.

“Vote counting began at 8 a.m. today for the West Bengal State Assembly election”

The narrow gap in early seat tallies suggests a highly polarized electorate in West Bengal. If neither the BJP nor the TMC reaches the 148-seat majority mark, the state may face a period of political instability or the need for coalition building with smaller parties to form a government.